Rights group condemns armed groups' increased abuses targeting Indigenous communities in Colombia

Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Friday stated that armed groups in Colombia’s southern state of Putumayo have committed gross human rights violations against innocent civilians, with a large portion of abuses disproportionately affecting Indigenous communities.

HRW Americas Director Juanita Goebertus stated: “Armed groups in Putumayo are using the peace talks as an opportunity to tighten their control over the population … While the peace talks focus on decreasing coca crops, armed groups are imposing their own rules in Putumayo and severely punishing those who disobey.”

During HRW’s September visit to several regions that have been severely impacted by the activities of armed groups, such as Puerto Asís, Mocoa, Orito, and La Hormiga, victims voiced their fear about being targeted in re